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July 30, 1963
w. R. BROCKWAY ETAL
3,099,215
PRESSURE RESPONSIVE BOOSTERS
2 Sheets-Sheet 1
Filed June 2'7, 1961
as?,.
INVENTOR 8
WILLIAM RAYMOND BROCKWAY
DAVID LINN COU-RSEN
BY
?W
ATTORNEY
July 3-0, 1963
w. R. BROCKWAY ETAL
3,099,215
PRESSURE RESPONSIVE BOOSTERS
Filed June 27, 1961
2 Sheets-Sheet 2
FIG. 3
FIG. 4
INVENTORS
WILLIAM RAYMOND BROCKWAY
DAVID LINN COURSEN
BY W
ATTORNEY
United States Patent O? ice
3,оз9,2l5
Patented July 30, 1.963
1
In all ?gures, identical parts are indicated by the same
'
symbols.
3,63%,215
PRESSURE RESPGNSEVE BGOSTERSB
William Raymond Brochway, Thorofare, N.J., and David
Linn Coursen, Newark, Deb, assignors to E. l. (in Pout
Referring now to the ?gures in greater detail, in FIG
URE l, symbol 1 represents the readily deformable sec
dc Nemonrs and Company, Wiimington, DeL, a cor
poration of Delaware
sensitive detonating explosive composition ?lling this
tion of the container, 2 is a charge of an extrudable cap
Fiied lune 27, 1961;, Ser. N . 120,051
readily deformable section, and 3 is the rigid section of
the tubular container. A pressure-actuated initiator 4 is
positioned in the rigid section and is separated from the
The present invention relates to explosive boosters 10 deformable section 1 by ?a space 5 su?icient that the initia
which are armed by means responsive to hydrostatic pres
tion impulse produced upon actuation of the initiator will
sure.
not initiate the explosive in the deformable section. In
For activities wherein the detonation of explosive
the initiator, ill represents the initiator charges, 11 is an
charges below the surface of water is desired, such as in
anvil, and positioned on top of the anvil 11 is an igniting
seismic exploration, underwater signalling, echo-ranging 15 charge 12 of a percussion-sensitive explosive. integrally
for detection purposes, and destruction of undersea craft,
formed at one ?edge of ?anvil if is a striker-arm arrester
8 Claims. (tCl. Jim-16)
a need exists for a reliable, accurate, and non-hazardous
13 for striker arm 14 attached to piston 15 located at the
open end of the initiator shell.
In FIGURE 2, the components are as in FiGURE 1,
pressure of the Water at a predetermined depth.
20 except that a shield 6 surrounds the readily deformable
In accordance with this invention, a booster assembly
section and safeguarding staggered baflles 7 are provided
for underwater use comprises a tubular container having
to prevent a direct missile path between the initiator and
a section thereof readily deformable and another section
the leading mass of the extrudable, cap-sensitive explosive
booster which can be armed, i.e., made capable of propa
gating an initiation impulse, in response to the hydrostatic
rigid and resistant to deformation, the readily deformable
section being closed at the end most remote from the said 25
rigid section, an extrudable cap-sensitive detonating explo
sive ?lling at least part of the readily deformable section,
composition when the initiator is actuated.
In FIGURE 3, the components are as in FIGURE 1
except that the readily deformable section 1 is formed by
an insert of a deformable material replacing a portion of
and an initiator disposed within the said rigid section and
the rigid material, and shield 6 is provided with an aper
spaced from the deformable section by a distance sufficient
ture 9 to allow the water to contact the insert.
that the initiation Fnnpulse upon actuation of the initiator 30
in FIGURE 4, the deformable section 1 is connected to
will not initiate the explosive contained in the readily
the rigid section 3 through an elongated portion of the
deformable section.
deformable section which mates With the rigid section 3.
When the described assembly is subjected to sn?icient
In actual operation, thebooster of this invention may
hydrostatic pressure, deformation of the deformable sec
be positioned adjacent to a secondary explosive charge
35
tion will force the Walls of that section inwardly to cause
which cannot be initiated reliably by a conventional initi
extrusion ?of the explosive composition into the rigid
ator, or it may be inserted into ?an aperture therein. Al
section and into sufficient proximity to the initiator so
that initiation of the explosive will be assured upon actua
tion of the initiator.?
The sections of the tubular container may be made of
the same material using different wall thicknesses, or of
different materials. In a preferred embodiment of this
invention, baffling means are provided between the ex
though the unit is secured to the secondary explosive, e.g.,
by tape, provisions are made for water to contact the outer
walls of the booster. When the assembly is submerged,
increasing hydrostatic pressure encountered at increasing
depth ?edects deformation, i.e., col-lapse, of the walls of
the readily deformable section 1 of the tubular container
forcing them inwardly against extrudable capdsensitive
trudable detonating explosive in the readily deformable
d-etonating explosive 2 ?iling this section. As inward
section and the initiator to act as a safeguard against 45 movement continues, the extrudable explosive flows into
premature initiation of the extrudable explosive if acci
dental actuation of the initiator should occur by obstruct
ing the path of any particles of ?the initiator toward the
detonating explosive and further to hinder ree flow of the
detonating explosive. In ?another preferred embodiment,
space 5 in the rigid section ?of the container so that it is
Within propagating relationship of the pressure-actuated
initiator 4, i.e., the leading mass of the extruding explo
50 sive is separated from the base of initiator 4 by a distance
a shield of a rigid material, which may be an extension
of the rigid section 'of the tubular container, is positioned
about the readily deformable section to inhibit premature
accidental arming of the booster, for example, above the
surface ?of the water, Without inhibiting ?ow of the Water 55
about the deformable section when the unit is submerged.
In order to describe this invention in greater detail,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:
less than the ?gap sensitivity? of the extrudable cap-sensi
tive explosive. When the extrudable explosive is in this
proximity to the initiator, actuation of an initiator 4 such
as described in copending US. patent application Serial
No. 64,087, ??led October 21, 1960, or in copending US.
patent application Serial No. 105,494, ?led April 25, 196i,
is effected by the inward movement of piston 15 under
the hydrostatic pressure such that the striker arm 14 is
bent to a degree that the free end slips off arrester 13 and
FIGURE 1 represents a cross-sectional elevation of a 60 snaps onto the igniting charge 12. The impulse produced
device of this invention,
upon actuation of the initiator effects initiation of the
FIGURE 2 is a sectional elevation of an embodiment
extrudable cap-sensitive explosive which detonates and
of this invention which has a safe-guarding ba?ie in the
space between the extrudable explosive in the deformable
thereby delivers a detonation wave to the main secondary
explosive charge. When the initiator is not of the pres
section and which is in a shield of a rigid material,
65 sure~responsive type, actuation of ?the initiator may be
accomplished by electrical means adapted to fire the
FIGURE 3 is a sectional elevation of an embodiment of
initiator at the predetermined depth.
the device of this invention venclosed in shield of a rigid
material,
? FIGURE 4 is a sectional elevation of an embodiment
of the device of this invention modi?ed for ease of as 70
sembly.
The invention is described further by this example.
EXAMPLE 1
Fifteen units similar to that shown in FIGURE 4 were
prepared. The deformable section of the container was
3,099,215
4
3
of a 95/5 alloy of lead :and tin and was formed from a
tube 1.75 inches long, had an outer ?diameter of 0.375
inch and an inner diameter of 0.365 inch. One end of
preferably thixotropic and of a viscosity which will pre
vent premature llow. A suitable extrudable explosive may
contain a normally crystalline cap-sensitive detonating
the tube had a formed external threaded end and an inner
explosive, e.g., pentaerythritol tetranitrate
ori?ce 1,56 inch in diameter.
(PETN),
5.5 grams of an extrudable cap-sensitive explosive com
cyclotetramethylenetetranitrarnine (HMX), tetryl, cyclo
trimethylenetrinitramine (RDX), ?INT, ammonium ni
position consisting of, by weight, 67% of very ?ne PETN
and 33% of triethylene glycol dinitrate, and the end of
trate, etc. or a noncrystalline explosive such as nitro
glycerine dispersed in a gel-like matrix so that the com
the tube was integrally sealed. The threaded extension
position possesses the ?ow properties requisite for proper
functioning of the booster at the predetermined hydro
The tube was ?lled with
of the ori?ce was inserted into a tapered threaded ex
tension of a 1.500 inch long cylinder of aluminum hav
ing an outer diameter of 0.375 inch and an inner diam
eter of 0.188 inch at its widest portion and of 0.125 inch
static pressure. The matrix may be of an explosive na_
ture or of a composition inert to and compatible with
the explosive. Exemplary matrices include triethylene
glycol dinitrate, acetyl butyl citrate, and low-molecular
at its tapered, threaded portion. An epoxy resin contain?
ing aluminum powder was used to secure the ori?ce of 15 weight rubbers such as polyisobutylene. Effective ratios
in the composition may be varied to give a composition
the deformable section to the rigid section. A hydro
of the requisite ?ow properties for use at a predetermined
static pressure-actuated initiator, outer diameter, 0.320
pressure.
inch, as described in US. application Serial No. 64,087,
As stated, the distance between the base of the initiator
was inserted into the open end of tubular sleeve and
secured in place by the epoxy resin.
20 and the upper surface of the extrudable detonating ex
plosive in the readily deformable section must be such
Five of the units were initiated in air at atmospheric
that the initiation impulse produced upon actuation of
pressure at 34░ F. and initiation of the detonating ex
the initiator will not initiate the explosive composition
plosive did not occur even though the initiator functioned
when the booster is under less than the predetermined
properly in all ?ve cases. When ten of the units were
?red in water at 34░ F. under a pressure of 150 p.s.i.ga., 25 pressure. The space required depends to a large extent
upon the ?gap sensitivity? of the extrudable cap-sensitive
the initiators functioned properly and the extrudable ex
detonating explosive. The ?gap sensitivity? is de?ned as
plosive composition detonated in all ten cases.
the
distance (or lair-gap) over which the explo
The pressure at which the device will be armed, i.e.,
sive composition will be initiated by the stimulus of a
where the extrudable detonating explosive is positioned
in propagating proximity to the initiator, is dependent 30 conventional initiator. The following table gives gap
sensitivity values for representative compositions with
upon such factors as the viscosity, thixotropy and related
respect to a conventional No. 6 electric blasting cap.
?ow properties of the extrudable detonating explosive,
the sensitivity of the explosive, the deformation resistance
Table 1
of the section of the container ?lled with the extrudable
Gap sensitivity (inches)
detonating explosive, the space between the initiator and 35 Extrudable explosive:
the readily deformable section, and the like. By proper
PETN/triethylene glycol dinitrate ___________ __ 1A
PETN/nitrocotton/acetyl tributyl citrate ____ __ 1A3
selection of the appropriate factors, a booster can be pro
duced to be armed at any predetermined pressure, i.e.,
PETN/isobutylene _______________________ __ 1A3
depth.
Nitroglycerine/ gelling agent ________________ __. 1/s
1 The readily deformable section should be constructed 40 Primarily, those compositions having a ?gap sensitivity
within the range of 1A3 to % inch will be most suitable
of a material which will collapse without rupture upon
the exertion of a predetermined pressure and which is
chemically inert to the explosive. The wall thickness
naturally will depend upon the physical properties, e.g.,
for use in this invention.
Compositions having a gap
sensitivity of greater than 1 inch will in general be too
sensitive to insure non-initiation at low pressures. On
structural strength, deformability, etc. of the material 45 the other hand, compositions having an air-gap sensitivity
used. If desired, walls may be formed so that the re
of less than 1A6 would not be suitable since the composi
sistance to deformation of the walls near the rigid sec
tion would be, in general, too insensitive for reliable
tion is greater than their resistance at the closed portion
operation.
of the container to insure against collapse in the prox
A variety of initiator assemblies may be used to actuate
imity of the rigid section. Wall collapse in this area
the booster of this invention. A pressure-actuated initiator
might prevent ?ow of the extrudable cap-sensitive ex
is particularly suitable since both the initiator and booster
plosive composition into the rigid section. Exemplary
materials for use in the walls of this section include
ductile metals, such as aluminum, tin, lead, zinc, and al
loys of such metals, natural and synthetic rubbers, and
relatively long-chain polymers, e.g., polyethylene, poly
can be constructed so that reliable initiation and detona
tion of the booster will occur only at the predetermined
depth, i.e., pressure. However, if desired, the booster may
be actuated at the desired depth by means of a conven
tional electric initiator or electric delay initiator ?red by a
propylene, neoprene, polyvinylidene chloride and the like.
The walls of the rigid section and of the protective
shield which is present in two embodiments of the device
bridgewire in a loose ignition composition, a bridgewire
constructed of the same material as the deformable sec
the assembly at the predetermined depth.
Ba?iing between the deformable section and the initia
?and bead arrangement, an ?exploding? bridgewire or an
arc-?ring system, in which cases the lead wires extend to
of this invention are of a material which will not be de 60 a source of electric current at the surface of the water and
formed, i.e., collapse, at the hydrostatic pressure at which
the sink rate of the ?device is known, to a water-actuated
the booster is adapted to function. This section may be
battery, or to a pressure-sensitive switch which will ?re
tion but with a greater wall thickness, or with smaller
diameter, or with an entirely different material of less
deformability or of a combination of materials to pro
tor present in preferred embodiments of this invention may
be provided simply by decreasing the diameter of the tubu
lar container at the desired point, e.g., by forming a deep,
circumferential crimp, or ?by inserting an obstructing'ele
like, natural and synthetic rubbers, resins, waterproofed
ment, such as, for example, a rectangular plate having
cardboard, and similar water resistant materials having 70 diagonally opposed corners folded in opposite directions
the structural strength to withstand the hydrostatic pres
into the open space within the rigid section during assem
sure at the predetermined ?ring depth. The material of
bly of the unit.
_
I
.
'
construction also should be chemically inert to the extrud
The foregoing description has been given for clear
vide increased rigidity. Suitable materials include metals
such as aluminum, bronze, copper, brass, steel, and the
able cap-sensitive explosive composition.
?ness of understanding only and no undue limitations are
The extrudable cap-sensitive explosive composition is 75 to be construed therefrom. The invention is not limited
3,099,215
5
5
to the precise details shown and exempli?ed since various
modi?cations which do not materially alter the basic char
and triethylene glycol dinitrate; a mixture of cyclotrimeth
ylenctrinitramine, nitrocotton and acetyl tributyl citrate;
acter of the invention or ?depart from the spirit and scope
of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art. It
and a mixture of cyclotrimethylenetrinitrarnine and a low
molecular weight rubber.
is intended, therefore, to be limited only by the follow
ing claims.
6. A booster as in claim 1 wherein said extrudable cap
sensitive explosive composition is selected from the group
?consisting of a mixture of ?cyclotetramethylenetetramine
and triethylene glycol dinitrate; a mixture of cyclotetra
What is claimed is:
1. An explosive booster assembly for underwater use
comprising a tubular container, one section thereof being
methylenetetranitramine, nitrocotton and acetyl tributyl
readily deformable and another section thereof being rigid
citrate; and a mixture of cyclotetramethylenetetra
and resistant to deformation, the readily deformable sec
nitramine ?and a low molecular weight rubber.
tion being closed at the end most remote from the said
7. An explosive booster assembly for underwater use
rigid section, an extrudable capesensitive detonating ex
comprising a bissectional tubular container, one section
plosive ?lling the deformable section, and an initiator dis
thereof being readily deformable and the other section
posed within the said rigid section and separated from the 15 thereof being rigid and resistant to deformation, said
deformable section by a distance suf?cient that the initia
readily deformable section being closed at the end most
tion impulse upon actuation of said initiator will not initi
remote from said rigid section, an extrudable cap-sensi
ate said explosive contained in said deformable section, the
tive detonating explosive ?lling the deformable section,
walls of said deformable section being adapted to collapse
and a pressure-responsive initiator disposed ?within said
under pressure to ?force said extrudable explosive into 20 rigid ?section and separated from the deformable section
propagating relationship with said initiator.
by a 1distance su?icient that the initiation impulse upon ac
2. A booster as in claim 1 wherein a bafiiing means is
tuation of said initiator will not initiate said explosive
contained within the space between the said ext?rudable
contained in said deformable section, the walls of said
cap-sensitive detonating explosive and the said initiator.
deformable section being adapted to collapse under pres
3. A booster as in claim 1 wherein the readily deform 25 sure to force said extrudable explosive into propagating
able section of the said container is surrounded by a tubu
relationship with said initiator.
lar shield adapted to prevent accidental deformation of
8. The booster of claim 1 wherein said extrudable cap
said deformable section resulting in premature arming.
sensitive explosive composition is a mixture of nitro
4. A booster as in claim 1 wherein said extrudable cap
glycerine and a plasticizer.
sensitive explosive composition is selected from the group 30
References Cited in the ?le of this patent
consisting of a mixture of pentaerythritol tetranitrate and
UNITED STATES PATENTS
triethylene glycol dinitrate; a mixture of pentaerythritol
tetranitrate, nitrocotton, and acetyl tributyl citrate; and
a mixture of pentaerythritol tetranitrate and a low molec
ular weigh rubber.
5. A booster as in ?claim 1 wherein said extrudable cap
sensitive explosive composition is selected from the group
consisting of a mixture of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine
35
1,890,726
2,205,081
2,398,718
2,753,801
Farren ______________ __ Dec. 13, 1932
2,988,879
3,015,275
Wise ________________ __ June 20, 1961
Peyton et a1. _________ __ Jan. 2, 1962
Burrows et a1 _________ __ June 18, 1940
Rasmussen __________ __ Apr. 16, 1946
Cumming ___________ __ July 10, 1956